OBITUARY.

Hauraki Plains Gazette, Volume XXXVI, Issue 4899, 4 November 1925, Page 3

OBITUARY.

EX-COiNSTABLE F. A. WILD.

AN OLD IDENTITY. '

Frederick Abrah.ajn Wild, one of the oldest and best known residents of Te Aroha, passed away at his residence, Herriesville, on Friday, in his 79th year. The late Mr Wild was born at Portsmouth, England,.on June 23, 1846. In 1863, in company with his parents, he came put to New Zealand, landing at Auckland. At the early age of 17 he enlisted and was drafted into the 2nd Waikato Militia, and was first stationed at Whatawhata, in the Waikato. He knew Hamilton in its earliest days, and it was from Whatawhata that the 4th Waikato Regiment was sent over to Hamilton in 1864 to build the redoubt and take part in the defensive measures which were so necessary in those troublesome times. Mr Wild remained with the Militia till the Armed Constabulary, into which he was transferred, was formed. His first station with the Armed Constabulary was at Hamilton, under Colonel Moule, and he too-k part in the operations against the Maoris in. the Waikato and King Country. For a time lie was engaged in convoy work between Hamilton and Tapapa. There were a number of engagements while Mr Wild was on duty in that part of the country, but he never had the privilege of, taking part, other duties haying been 'assigned to him. Some years later, when ,the Armed Constabulary was ..dispanded, Mr Wild joined the civil police. As mounted constable he was first stationed at Pirongia, known in those days as. Alexandria. Actually he worked his district from Hamilton, and the area under his .care extended from the King Country on the south to Te Arolia. Sometimes he would be absent from his station for a week on patrol work. He was subsequently stationed at Te Aroha. He is remembered to-day .as an officer who was very successful in preserving law and order by tact and good judgment rather than by prosecutions. There was kindliness as well as firmness in hiis character, and his friendly advice and warning usually had the desired effect with those who at times became troublesome. He was regarded as a friend, and many a man went quietly home and was thankful to find the following morning that he had not spent the night in the lockup. He had the respect ‘of all, and Jiad a great influence for good. He was subsequently promoted and transferred to Devonport, where his health was so unsatisfactory that at his own request he was given back hiis old station at Te Aroha. He had been in the Te Aroha district almost continually since 1889 and retired about 19 years ago, since when he has resided privately in Te Aroha.. He had many interesting experiences with the natives, with whom he was very popular. When Te Kuiti, in roaming about the country with about 100 followers, approached any settlement there was always a fear of bloodshed, and it was invariably Mr Wild’s duty to go out and meet Te Kuiti, to whom he was well known. Te Kuiti, on being approached, would give an assurance that his visit was peaceable and there was nothing to fear, and ne never bro-ke his word. On one occasion when he was stationed at Te Aroha serious trouble arose among natives at Waharoa. A tot ar a tree, which was of immense proportions, was claimed by certain natives as a heritage from their ancestors, and the tree was, regarded by them as tapu. The tree was cut down by another native, and a representative of the family who claimed the tree procured an axe and with murderous intent sought the culprit, vowing that he would treat him as he had treated the tree.. The natives sent for Mr Wild, and when he arrived a meeting was held and the whole matter discussed. Mr Wild’s, authority was recognised, and after he had severely admonished the native who had thrown the pa into a state of terror peace and goodwill was restored. Some idea of Mr Wild’s responsibilities may be gathered from the fact that his district included Hoe-o-Tai-nui, Morrinisville, Walton,- Matamata, Mangaiti, and Katikati. He spent altogether 43 years in the New Zealand forces, and held a long service medal. Mr Wild was predeceased by his wife by less than three months. Mr ,and Mrs Wild had a family of 14, 11 of whom are living. : The sons are.: Frederick William, town clerk, Te Aroha; Alfred Edward, farmer, Elstow, who served through the South African War; John Ernest, master painter, Te Aroha; Alan, who was invalided home from Gallipoli; Guy William (Cyril), Agricultural Department, Auckland, who served in Palestine and Syria ; and Richard Barnaby, of the N.Z. staff, Morrinsville. One son, Aubry Hamilton, was killed in Flanders in t the Gre.at War. The daughters .are; Miss Blanche Wild, Te Aroha; Mrs John Strange, Mangaiti; Mrs J. G. Butterworth, Te Rore ; Mrs K. Gorringe, Wellington ; and Mrs Guernier, Turua. One daughter, Mrs Gregan, died at Morrinsville, and another, Lily, died in infancy. There are 18 grandchildren. ,